Tag Archives: Ken Zino

First Look – 2024 Toyota Tacoma Pickup

Now in its fourth generation, Tacoma has a new high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame and an optional multi-link coil rear suspension. This system replaces the previous model’s leaf springs with coil springs. However, leaf springs remain standard on SR, SR5 XtraCab, and TRD PreRunner grades. Tacoma also adds new XtraCab long bed configuration. Continue reading

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Three-Row ID.Buzz Debuts on International VW Bus Day

Volkswagen said today it will celebrate the first ever International Volkswagen Bus Day with the debut of the three-row version of Volkswagen’s all-electric ID. Buzz in Huntington Beach, California. A combined media- and public- global reveal event will include new product showcases, live entertainment and streamed programming, plus a “Cars & Coffee” style gathering for classic Volkswagen Bus owners. Continue reading

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Toyota Eco or EV Button Study Shows Greenhouse Gas Cuts

“We have the ability to use data to help empower customers so that they can make a difference,” said Brian Kursar, chief technology officer, Toyota Connected North America (TCNA). “While this study focused on Toyota-owned vehicles, we know there are millions of connected Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the US. If everyone drove in Eco mode, it could help greatly reduce our collective CO2 output. Given how successful this internal campaign was, we’d love to see where we can take this initiative, and we hope we inspire other automakers to do the same.” Continue reading

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ChargeX Consortium to Improve EV Charging Announced by the US Department of Energy National Laboratories

During the next two years, the national labs will collaborate with industry to measure and identify opportunities to significantly improve the customer experience with public EV charging infrastructure in the United States. The consortium sets a goal that public charging stations nationwide will provide a charge to vehicles the first time, every time. This new, clearly aspirational, goal is not enforceable. However, it complements federal requirements of greater than 97% uptime to ensure that each customer can successfully and easily charge at public charging stations. Continue reading

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BMW Going with the EV Tyde at Cannes

Two 100 kW electric motors convert 240 kWh of energy supplied by six batteries from the BMW into a claimed range of more than 50 nautical miles (~100 km). The craft can deliver an operating speed of 24 knots, with a maximum speed of 30 knots. BMW said THE ICON “makes almost zero noise, without unpleasant vibrations or shocks and minimizing wake.” Continue reading

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Record Clean Air Act Settlement with BP North America

The Department of Justice’s complaint complaint, filed simultaneously with the settlement, alleges that BPP broke federal regulations limiting benzene in refinery wastewater streams, and hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compound emissions at its Whiting Refinery, as well as the general requirement to use good air pollution control practices. As part of the settlement, BPP will install one or more permanent benzene strippers to reduce benzene in wastewater streams leading to its lakefront wastewater treatment plant. Continue reading

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US and Canada Announce Bi-National EV Charging Corridor

The new EV corridor will run from Kalamazoo, Michigan to Quebec City, Quebec using part of the ~75,000 miles of Alternative Fuel Corridors in the United States. The Corridor will have DC fast chargers every ~50 miles or 80 kilometers. Continue reading

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Wayne Taylor Racing, Andretti Autosport to Run Two IMSA Cars

“It has always been our plan to go to a two-car program,” said Wayne Taylor, Team Owner, Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport. “There are so many advantages in being a two-car team and now, going up against all the other factory backed two-car efforts, it is vital.” Continue reading

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Global Light Vehicle Sales Soar in April 2023

Numerous national or regional markets have advanced from an easing of supply constraints, with overall YoY growth of 25%. China, the world’s largest auto market remains problematic. Continue reading

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Stellantis Buys Share of Symbio for Fuel Cell Technology

“Acquiring an equal stake in Symbio will bolster our leadership position in hydrogen-powered vehicles by supporting our fuel cell van production in France, and it also serves as a perfect complement to our growing battery electric vehicle portfolio,” said Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO. Continue reading

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Semiconductor Talent and Automotive Research MOU with Global Aspirations Announced in Antwerp

The partnership was announced by KLA CEO Rick Wallace during his keynote at imec’s (sic) ITF World event focused on semiconductor advances and  technology that is  taking place this week in Antwerp, Belgium. Continue reading

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GM Expands Airbag Recalls Over Supplier ARC’s Objections

In an unusual move, NHTSA publicly revealed that it wrote Arc: “As you are aware, on July 13, 2015, the Office of Defect Investigation (“ODI”) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA” or the “Agency”) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE15-027) to investigate certain air bag inflators designed by ARC Automotive, Inc. (ARC). NHTSA opened its defect investigation after learning of two driver air bag inflator field ruptures involving ARC designed inflators,” NHTSA wrote. Continue reading

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Ford Expanding Explorer SUV Roll-away Recall

The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include what is described as “the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended.” In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect. Continue reading

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Mazda Motor Posts Improving FY 2203 Financial Results

“Under these conditions, the Mazda Group steadily improved its profit base by implementing group-wide initiatives to improve per-unit profit, curb costs, reduce marketing expenses, improve fixed cost efficiency, and redesign components to expand the use of general-purpose semiconductors as a means of mitigating semiconductor shortages.,” Mazda said. Continue reading

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SEMA CEO Testifies Against Proposed EPA Standards

SEMA has a point, ~33% of consumer spending on performance and accessory products goes toward upgrading ICE engines and drivetrains, ~ $17 billion of the $51 billion specialty aftermarket industry. SEMA contends the $17 billion in sales of internal combustion products comes from small businesses. Continue reading

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